Supreme Court Hears ACA Arguments

3/26/2012 8:35:54 PM

The Supreme Court is in the midst of hearing oral arguments to determine whether Congress can require Americans to purchase health insurance or pay a penalty. AMSA leaders went to the Supreme Court today to support comprehensive health care reform that works for patients and physicians: expanding coverage, lowering costs and upholding quality.

Monday’s testimony focused on whether the court has jurisdiction in the case or if they must wait until the law is enacted in 2014. Tuesday's hearing will focus on the individual mandate, which requires that all Americans purchase health insurance, either through their employers or under individual plans, or pay a penalty. Wednesday’s hearing will focus on whether the law can stand if the individual mandate is eliminated. Wednesday will also include arguments over the expansion of Medicaid to subsidize an estimated 17 million more lower income Americans.